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Grammy-Winning Music Producer Behind Hollywood Soundtracks Dies

The Hollywood producer, engineer, and mixer died after experiencing aortic dissection.

Joel Moss, the iconic producer, engineer, and mixer behind multiple hit Hollywood soundtracks, has died at 79. He passed away in Saratoga Springs, New York, after suffering an aortic dissection, his daughter told The Hollywood Reporter. “Joel was loved and respected by all and was known as ‘the biggest mensch in the recording industry who created the best sounds in town,’” his family said in a statement to the outlet. Over the course of his career, Moss earned 11 Grammy nominations and took home seven trophies. His work spanned an impressive list of beloved films including Footloose, Sister Act, Sleepless in Seattle, and Dead Poets Society. Before his move into film and theater, Moss made his name in the recording industry producing and engineering for legendary artists like Tony Bennett, the Eagles, and Johnny Cash. On Broadway, he helped shape the sound of major productions’ cast recordings including Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights, Hair, and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, which won him a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album.